The cold weather has settled in for the winter and most gardens have gone to sleep for the season. But that doesn’t mean that we’re done: Now is the perfect time for getting all of your necessary chores done before the big spring.
In the winter, right now, when woody trees and shrubs are dormant, is the perfect time for planting. If you’ve considered adding these to your landscape, especially Japanese maples, this is when you want to go ahead and set them in the ground. You won’t see much activity until the spring, but the roots will be active setting your new plant up for a marvelous flush of new leaves when the warm weather returns. Despite their dormancy it is still critically important to properly water in your new trees and shrubs in order to encourage proper root growth. Consider native trees for your Texas garden. They will be more drought tolerant and will adapt quickly to Texas soils and climate. It is also the time to divide perennials and biennials such as phlox, violets, irises, and daylilies if they are crowded. This will help them grow better and produce more flowers in the spring.
For all trees except for oaks (these are best trimmed in late summer due to the oak wilt fungus) this is the time to prune and trim as well. How much to trim and where depends heavily on the species. A certified arborist from Desiree Gardens can help you to determine where and how much to cut so that your plants have the best shot at a glorious spring. January is also a great time for excess brush and deadfall, including any dead annuals, to be hauled out of your garden. This will give you a nice blank slate when the warm weather returns. Don’t forget to add a nice layer of mulch afterwards.
Annuals such as dianthus and pansies planted for winter color can be found in abundance at your local nursery. You might also look into some other winter blooming perennials such as camellias and hellebores. Also known as lenten roses, hellebores are incredibly hardy and their blooms can withstand the harshest of freezes here in North Texas. These little guys, along with ornamental cabbage and kale are available right now from Desiree Gardens.
While we’re discussing freezes, let’s take a moment to discuss the best way to protect your more vulnerable plants from excess cold. By far the most effective method is water. Water holds an abundance of energy and, even if air temperatures drop below 32°, it will stay liquid until it has lost enough energy through heat radiation. This is important to humans and plants. It’s why we need proper hydration in extreme temperatures both hot and cold. If you know a freeze is coming water your plants, even the dormant ones, abundantly. The water in the surface soil helps to protect the roots while any water taken up by the plants helps to protect sensitive leaves, fruits, or flowers. Of course frost cloth helps as well, but it needs to be properly installed. Our crews here at Desiree Gardens are always ready to mobilize prior to a hard freeze to protect plants using frost cloth that is staked down to the ground and propped up so it doesn’t cause damage to upper portions of your more sensitive plants.
Irrigation systems should be set to water less frequently, as the majority of plants do not need as much water in the winter. Plant water usage is heavily dependent not just on temperature, but also on the amount of sunlight the plant receives. That sunlight, combined with water and CO2 is what your garden uses to generate energy and grow, or to store for later in the winter when there is not as much sun. A little water is still necessary as we go through the late winter droughts that are common here, but don’t neglect to ensure that your rain/freeze sensor is working properly.
As our gardens start lay dormant it’s a good time to do an irrigation audit and make any needed repairs. Desiree Gardens has partnered with Irrigreen, a manufacturer of custom digital sprinkler systems you can monitor from an app on your phone. To learn more about the Irrigreen systems we can install for you, visit Irrigreen.com, use the QR link below, or give us a call at 877-558-1496. It’s also a good time to make any hardscape changes or additions.
No matter the time of year there is always something to do in a North Texas garden. Winter doesn’t mean that your garden is done. Gardens in our area can remain very active year round even in the depths of winter.
Happy gardening and, as always, take time to play in the dirt!
North Texas Gardens and Landscapes - "We Don't Mow Lawns"
